Located on West 3rd Street and MacDougal, the Night Owl was home to the early rock & folk music scene I found none, and decided to create one here on facebook.
I searched high and low on the Interwebs to try to find a page on the legendary Night Owl Cafe. I'll be uploading photos and stories from those days so stay tuned. If you're a musician who played at the Night Owl, I hope you'll share some of your memories with us. If, like me, you were a fan who was lucky enough to sit in the front row of the small cafe night after night, share with us what it was
like for you. Thank you for visiting and enjoy! Among those who performed at the Night Owl Cafe were The Lovin' Spoonful, James Taylor, with the Flying Machine, Tim Buckley, Tim Hardin, The Blues Magoos, The Magicians, Jerry Jeff Walker (with Circus Maximus), The Gingermen, The Rahgoos, The Little Flowers, The Strangers.
Linda J Gaeta asked to share the following Night Owl Cafe story and photo with you:
"1965... Had a scholarship to NYU but learned all that crap in high school. So this is how I spent my evenings, outside the Night Owl Cafe. I'm the one with the drenched hair and coat, back to the camera, watching the Bloos Magoos through the big window, or maybe the Spoonful, or the Magicians!"
(Photo by Malcolm Collins, Datebook Magazine)
It's always wonderful to hear these stories about Alan Gordon from Christian Gordon.
Alan's take on The Village scene in the '60's - "It was fantastic. The Magicians played at The Night Owl. Before that I was in Tex and The Chex, we played at The Cinderella club and Trude Heller's 8th Wonder (complete with go-go girls in cages). We hung out with The Strangers, Blues Magoos (I wrote with Ritchie Adams "Gotta Get Away" on their single). David Blue brought Dylan in to see us perform one of David's songs we did, "I'd Like To Know". They both left after that song!!! We hung out at Googies, the Kettle of Fish and, oh yes, Jimi Hendrix played around the corner at the Cafe Wha. You get the idea, it was HEAVEN. Best, Alan"
More on The Magicians can be found in this incredibly well-researched story (link below) written by Walter Roland Moore. Filled with many details and interesting stories about the group, it’s a real treat.
https://webstore.ugly-things.com/ugly-things-61-p494.php?fbclid=IwAR3ZmAhxJOpTxXe8tw_2naH_pHD0OMuVPPjkRwv7A3D5j55Pvp4KTrvuOMg&mibextid=Zxz2cZ
Happy birthday, Peter! And thank you, Christian Gordon for the lovely post.
Happy Birthday to Peter Gallway! Peter’s group, The Strangers, played at The Night Owl Cafe at the same time as The Magicians in ‘65-‘66 so he and Alan went a long way back. Later on, they got together to write several songs and enjoyed good memories alongside mutual pal, Jake Jacobs. We wish Peter the very best.
Good morning, friends. So an interesting thing happened yesterday. Having shared about John Sebastian's birthday, I opened my Twitter app, and came across this tweet from author Stephen King. If you don't know, he's a huge rock fan and even plays in a band with a few other writers. And they're good! I had to share this with you, and I'm trying to figure out a way to get it to Sébastian. I think he'd be tickled.
Thanks to The Lovin' Spoonful for this reminder. John was so very kind to Joe Marra and the Night Owl family over the past few years. Wishing a happy belated birthday to this kind, talented man.
Happy Birthday to our dear friend John Sebastian! Amazing songwriter, signer, harmonicist, guitarist, and more. Best known as founder of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame act, The Lovin' Spoonful, penning a bowlful of hits from "Daydream," "Summer In The City" to the theme to Welcome Back Kotter! He still puts on a helluva show and we're honored to have so many classic Spoonful albums in our catalog!
Good morning, fellow Night Owls! Many of you may not have seen these photos that I shared quite a few years ago, when I first created this page. They are of The Jagged Edge, one of the bands that played regularly at the Night Owl. I shot the photos as a teenager, and a regular myself at the Cafe.
This past week Shel Stewart, a former member of the band, found us and wanted to let everyone know that he's on FB and interested in hearing about your recollections and sharing some of his own stories. He'd love to connect with old friends, too. Please say hi to Shel, and share any memories and stories here. Were you at the Cafe when the The Jagged Edge was playing? They were a really good band!
We lost a wonderful friend on this day last year. A very sad day for all of us who knew and loved Joe Marra.
For the few that don't know, Joe was tha former owner of the Night Owl Cafe. Nine years ago I created this FB page dedicated to the Night Owl because I couldn't find much about it online. Somehow, former musicians, staff and fans found their way to it. It's how I found Joe again after all those years. I'm going to really miss him.
Joe was active and happy until the end. Below is my favorite picture of him which I took at his favorite place in the city, the Caffe Reggio. He was there every week without fail. And after indoor dining closed, he was there, at the outdoor tables, even in the cold of winter.
RIP Joe, we miss you.
It's been a long time since I shared this link to the Night Owl Cafe page. Thanks again to Christian Gordon, and Also Gordon Songs, for sharing it. I suspect a lot of our newer friends haven't seen it.
Part 3 of 3 of the 26-minute WCBS "Eye on New York" episode "Four To Go" featuring The Magicians, originally broadcast on Sunday, Feb. 13, 1966. Part 3 cuts...
I've been MIA and I promise to be back soon. Meanwhile, I can't pass up the opportunity to share this wonderful birthday greeting posted on Alan Gordon Songs. Wishing Jake Jacobs, formerly of the Magicians, a very happy birthday!
Happy Birthday, Jake Jacobs (an Alan Gordon friend for life!).
I decided to do a little research into Folklore Center and Izzy Young and came across this very interesting article about the early 60s Village music scene and Izzy's place in it. The article appeared in AM New York following Izzy's death in 2019. It contains lots of great pictures too.
BY GABE HERMAN | Izzy Young, who was at the center of the Village folk scene, running one of its key hubs, the Folklore Center, died on Feb. 4 at age 90 in
Here's a walk down memory lane. Izzy Young at Folklore Center.
Photo credit: David Gahr*
*In original post photo was mistakenly credited to another photographer. Photo belongs to David Gahr
How about those Magicians! (L-R): John, Jake, Alan and Garry. 1966
Karen needs your help identifying this location. The photo is of her dad, Alan Garfield who was a musician. I don't recognize him as a member of a Night Owl band, but maybe you do? I think he bears a strong resemblance to Bob Bruno of Lost Sea Dreamers aka Circus Maximus.
As to the location it looks to me like it could be the Cafe Wha, the Au Go Go or the Bitter End. What do you think?
The memorial for our beloved Joe Marra is coming up soon. Please, if you haven't already, email Joe's nephew, [email protected] so he can send you an invite to RSVP. Date is July 14*, 5pm - 9pm at Caffe Reggio. Andre needs a count as space is limited. Thank you!
*Rain date is July 15
Hello friends. As I mentioned in a previous post, there will be a memorial service for Joe Marra on July 14, tentatively scheduled to be held at Caffe Reggio. If you are thinking about attending please email [email protected] as he will be sending out invitations with all the pertinent details. Thank you! 💕
Hello friends, I hope this Memorial Day finds you well. 🇺🇸
I have news to share today. Joe Marra's nephew, Andre is planning an in person memorial service for Joe, to take place in the Village, likely at Caffe Reggio, on Wednesday, July 14. Because part of it will be outdoors, the rain date is July 15. Right now Andre needs an idea of how many can attend. You can let us know in the comments, or feel free to send a direct message at this page.
Musician friends who wish to are welcome to bring an acoustic guitar. If you're interested, please send us a direct message via this page as well.
Andre would also like help putting together a CD mix tape. He's got the playlist and just needs someone who has a little bit of time and digital know how to help out. Below is the direct message from Andre. Thanks everyone! I look forward to hearing from you. ❤
MC
"We would like to have an in person Memorial for Uncle Joe this summer. Right now I'm thinking about 7/14 with a rain date of 7/15. Most likely the cafe Reggio if they can accommodate us. There are outdoor tables as well as the inside. I'd like anyone's help to spread the word and generally help plan. We need to get a head count. Also I believe we can accommodate anyone who wants to play acoustic guitar.
I'm also considering as part of this a small walking tour around the village for his best friends where we would stop along the way and tell stories.
I'm also looking for someone who is musically inclined to help put together a cd featuring a playlist he wrote up."
Alan Gordon of The Magicians did not go on to form a famous band. But his contribution to music was bigger than that of many who did. An incredible song writer and artist, he was truly a musical giant. Happy birthday, Alan.
Remembering Alan on his birthday and thinking about all of the love and laughter he gave us (and that remain with us in so many ways). He continues to speak to us through his words and music, every day, all over the world. It’s really something when you think about it. He was such a creative force and, at the same time, an incredibly HAPPY force filled with unbridled joy and everlasting love. Happy Birthday, Alan! We miss you but we know where to find you.
This is an extremely interesting, long interview with former member of The Magicians, John Townley. He's had a fascinating musical career and I'm sure some of his stories will bring back memories. If you're a musician, I think you'll find his detailed recollections about his studio and the musicians he collaborated with especially interesting.
Special thanks to Hering Kipper for bringing the story to us.
John Townley was a member of the folk-rock group The Magicians. After The Magicians, Townley built the first 12-track recording studio in New York, Apostolic Studios, which opened in 1967 and which was often used by Frank Zappa. A naval historian, he is the founding president of the Confederate Nava...
Another photo that hung on the wall at the Night Owl. This is the Bloos Magoos before they became the Blues Magoos. Apologies for quality, I've done the best I can with the scan.
Photographer unknown.
Who's this mystery bicyclist? This photo is one of a group of pictures that hung behind the front desk at the Night Owl.
Photo: Joe Marra's archives, photographer unknown.
Since there's so much interest in the Fat Black Pussycat here's a bit more information about the club from the NYTimes:
The Fat Black Pussycat was a dimly lit Greenwich Village coffeehouse back when it meant something to be a dimly lit Greenwich Village coffeehouse, during the turtleneck-and-bongos era of the late 1950's and early 1960's.
The neighborhood was identifiably Italian and working class when a cafe and theater called the Commons opened in 1958. It was one of several coffeehouses that began to appear in storefronts and cellars around Macdougal Street, offering poetry readings, folk music, jazz and espresso, along with a languid, Bohemian ambiance. The Commons expanded a year or two later, and its name was changed to the Fat Black Pussycat. Tiny Tim performed there before he became famous. So did Mama Cass Elliot, Richie Havens and Shel Silverstein.
By 1963, Village coffeehouses were a countercultural phenomenon, attracting hordes of ''teen-agers looking for trouble, soldiers and sailors on the prowl, in*******al couples, panhandlers, motorcyclists, s*x deviates and exhibitionists of all kinds,'' according to a front page article in The New York Times. A low-budget thriller called ''The Fat Black Pussycat'' appeared in movie theaters in 1964, with advertisements promising ''a murdering maniac with a fe**sh for high heels, in New York's twilight world of beatniks and coffeehouses!''
The following story with a good picture appeared in 2011. The NYTimes allows you to read a few articles a month for free, without subscribing.
A dispute over the vestiges of a once-famous nightclub (where Bob Dylan may or may not performed) and what is worth preserving in Greenwich Village.
A while back there was a long discussion and thread about the Fat Black Pussycat that used to be on Minetta Lane. At the time the only photo I had was of the reincarnation on West 3rd. The other day I came across this photo of the original Pussycat and thought some of you would enjoy seeing it.
Another great share from Alan Gordon Songs. The Magicians in Hit Parader, 1965.
The Magicians profiled in Hit Parader magazine, 1965.
Thanks to Alan Gordon songs for this great post!
Excellent garage soul on Columbia, from 1966. It's a miracle that this hasn't been comped somewhere yet, because it's a corking number. Ripped from my collec...
Good evening friends. If you've visited the page lately you may have noticed some important changes. Facebook has chosen to redesign the pages without any input from page owners. You'll see that the videos and photos have disappeared as well as our biographical information.
However, our photos are still here as are the videos. Since the page now works more like a personal page you'll find all the video and photos by clicking on the links to them on the top of the page. All posts are still on the main page and searchable. Feel free to look around and let me know if you have a problem navigating the page. I'd also love to hear how the new page looks to you? Do you like this less cluttered look? Are you able to navigate to the photos and videos?
Thank you for being a loyal member of the Night Owl crew! I look forward to hearing from you.
Good morning, Night Owls!
Here's a mystery photo that maybe you can help me identify. I think one of the musicians is Fred Neil. But I don't know who else is in the picture. Recognize anyone? UPDATE BELOW ☟
Thanks to all who helped solve the mystery! We have our answer! Left to right. it's Cyrus Faryar, Jerry Yester, Henry Diltz of the MFQ or Modern Folk Quartet. Missing in the photo is Chip Douglas.
Photo is from Joe's archives. This photo was on the wall at the Night Owl.
Photographer: Unknown
This is the last of The Strangers photos from Joe's archives. No idea when it was taken or where. Maybe one of the former band members knows?
Photographer: Unknown
Rajshahi Division
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Good morning! Here is another video from last week's concert at City Winery. I enter the song a little late because I hadn't planned on recording until I heard what it was. It's one of my all time favorites of the Spoonful songs, and one that John did not sing at the Bitter End. But there's a back story. Halfway through the song, you'll notice a lot of laughter from the audience, an 'in joke' between John and the crowd. And that came about as a result of a crack John made after singing "Younger Girl" earlier in the set. As he finisehd the song, he commented, "I didn't think I'd still be singing that song when I was old long enough for it to be creepy.." Of course, we all laughed, because truth. Now that you know the context, you will understand the laughter in "Darling". And John plays it off perfectly. Enjoy!
John Sebastian, Do You Believe In Magic at City Winery, NYC on November 2, 2018. There was such a connection between John and the audience, they catch every nuance. It's so great to see that give and take with an audience that's right there with you. And this isn't a small room. Stay with it to the end, it will be worth it. Apologies for the less than stellar camera work, it was hard to shoot around heads in the way and from so far without moving the camera.
John Sebastian opened his set at City Winery with Fred Neil's "The Other Side To This Life" because 'Joe Marra is here"... a nice tribute. Enjoy and please excuse the underlaying noise in the video, I don't know where it comes from. More video highlighting Sebastian's guitar playing coming soon!
The final clip from The Lovin Spoonful set at Joe's birthday party at The Bitter End. John Sebastian, Steve Boone, "You Didn't Have To Be So Nice." With many thanks to all - we are so grateful to all the friends and musicians who came to celebrate with Joe and all who shared your good wishes on the page. I plan to upload the full set to my YouTube channel which you can find under SpiritbearNY.
We were hoping the videographer Joe hired had good video of all the acts at the party at the Bitter End. But so far Joe has been unable to connect with him. My own camera battery died before the end of the night but I got a little video on my phone. Because I was standing by the bar it's noisy. I'd like to share this very short clip of Susan Martin Robbins with many thanks from Joe for coming all the way from Texas and apologies for the poor sound quality.
John Sebastian and Steve Boone at Joe's birthday party at the Bitter End. A little Monday morning treat! John's voice is a little raspy and I'm so glad he's still singing in spite of having throat problems since the 90's. The obvious joy John and Steve exude at playing together again is worth the price of admission.
Especially for our friends who couldn't be there, and for those who want to relive some of the night, here are some of the Night Owl alumni peforming at Joe's birthday celebration. I edited my videos to include clips of the most memerable moments. With apologies to Peter Sando and Susan Martin, who are not included because my camera battery died. Peter did a great rendition of 'Reason to Believe' and Alan Gordon's 'Me About You'. What beautiful songs! Susan Martin perfomred some down home delta blues and was just great. Hope you enjoy! Warning: Contains some colorful language. In this video: (order of appearance) Peppy Castro - Blues Magoos, Jake Jacobs & John Townley - The Magicians, Peter Gallway - The Strangers, Michael Orrell - The Little Flowers. Closing, Peppy Castro.
John Sebastian's intro about working at the Night Owl, before tearing into "Do You Believe In Magic", had the audience laughing. This video was filmed by Night Owl Cafe Tribute Page. Many thanks to John Sebastian and Steve Boone for making Joe's birthday the most memorable birthday ever.
Good morning, friends! I've created a slideshow of the musicians who played at Joe's birthday party at the Bitter End. It was a magical night so maybe there was serendipity in having John Sebastian and Steve Boone of the Lovin' Spoonful open the show of Night Owl alumni. I believe.
Some more shots from Joe's birthday celebration at the Bitter End. You may recognize a few folks. Last photo is Christian Gordon and his lovely wife. Christian is the son of Alan Gordon of the Magicians. . Stay tuned for photos and video of the musicians.
Some more shots from Joe's birthday celebration at the Bitter End. You may recognize a few folks. Last photo is Christian Gordon and his lovely wife. Christian is the son of Alan Gordon of the Magicians. .
Night Owl friends and family, on July 16, 2018, Joe Marra will be hosting his 85th birthday celebration at the Bitter End Cafe and you're invited! Friends are coming from as far away as CA so make your plans, find your dancing shoes and get ready to party! Musician friends feel free to bring your gear as the stage will be live. A sound engineer will be on hand and we hope there will be some hot jamming. Of course, there is no charge to this event, Joe is throwing this party for all of you, his family and friends, those who worked, played, or hung out at The Night Owl. He is excited and looking forward to seeing everyone! The party starts at 7pm and will go to 11pm. Joe says, "Be there or be square!" Pass the word and see you on July 16th! WHAT: JOE'S 85TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION WHEN: MONDAY, JULY 16, 2018, 7pm - 11pm WHERE, BITTER END CAFE, 147 BLEECKER STREET, NY, NY 10012 212-673-7030 FREE SNACKS, CASH BAR
This one is for all you Lovin' Spoonful fans who loved the first short video I posted from the Iridium, NYC show last week. 'Darlin' Be Home Soon', done great justice by the vocals of Jerry Yester. If you enjoy this one, and want to see more, I'll be uploading an extended video of the Spoonful doing a medley of tunes at this Iridium show soon.
So. John Sebastian had another engagement on the left coast this past weekend and was unable to attend the Lovin' Spoonful reunion show at the Iridium in NYC. He spoke to Joe Marra and assured him bygones are bygones as far as he and the Spoonful are concerned. The remaining Spoonful put on a GREAT show (Joe Butler asked me to shout that out loud) and sounded so good. The audience was made up of true fans and at times enthusiastically sang along with the band. It was fun to meet some of the Night Owl regulars and musicians who visit this page, including Peter Sando, Jake Jacobs, Karl Baker and of course, Joe Marra. Here's a sneak peek video of some of what you missed. More photos and video to follow soon.
The New York Songwriters Circle
Bleecker Street, New YorkMonday Open Mic at Caffe Vivaldi
Jones Street, New YorkWest Village WORD at Cafe Bohemia
Barrow Street, New YorkQueenseventsnyc - Melissa E. Driscol Presents
New York 10014I Could Have Been Chita Moreno
New York 10011
